Search for dean unsuccessful

The search for a new dean for the College of Arts and Sciences was unsuccessful for the second year in a row.

The final candidates for the position were invited to campus last semester, and after reviewing the recommendations of the search committee, the provost had offered the position to a candidate.

“The university’s effort to reach agreement with a finalist proved unsuccessful,” said Provost Paul Gaston in an e-mail. “I am therefore consulting with the chairs of the college and with the College Advisory Council as to the next steps.”

In a memorandum written Thursday, Gaston discharged the search committee and thanked members for their dedicated research. He said he would like to call on the members individually for their continued advice as the search moves forward.

“With this memorandum, I want to thank you for the exceptional service you provided to the university through your work on behalf of the Arts and Sciences dean search,” Gaston wrote. “Although the search did not lead to an appointment, your methodical and resourceful approach to this challenge revealed much about the current environment for administrative hiring and the challenges faced by the university in completing negotiations leading to a successful conclusion.”

– Heather Bing